Leighton Group moves up into Goodman's Rainton Bridge Business Park
1 October 2010
Strong growth has helped one north east technology business expand and move from its start up accommodation to new office premises at Goodman Group’s Rainton Bridge Business Park - allowing the company to continue its success story.
Rainton Bridge Business Park, which is owned, developed and managed by international property group, Goodman, is located on the A690 between Sunderland and Durham. The site has more than 400,000 sq ft of commercial property space, developed across seven buildings, with a remaining 20 acres of land still available for development.
Leighton Group, the parent company of six subsidiary IT and design companies, is moving its entire operation into 8,866 sq ft at the Chase Building, Rainton Bridge Business Park on a five year lease at the end of the month. Their rapid expansion over the past three years has prompted the relocation of its 85 staff to Goodman’s neighbouring grade A premises.
Gerard Callaghan, co-director at the Leighton Group, said: “The move to Rainton Bridge Business Park was an easy decision for the company to make. The high standard of build quality and the flexibility offered by Goodman to help us tailor our office space to our exacting requirements were key factors in our decision to move to the site.
“The park’s location in the heart of the north east was also key. We have staff located across the region and the park’s centrality allows everybody easy access to and from work and the new public transport links now running to the site make it even more appealing.
“While the e.volve centre was the perfect location for the company after moving from Doxford International, it has now grown to the point where we wanted the benefits of having our own office space and we are certain our new base will make an impact on the company’s future performance.“
Niall McGilp, regional development director for Goodman, said: “We welcome the Leighton Group and wish them continued success in their new office environment. By working closely with the team at Leighton Group we have been able to tailor the accommodation to their needs and provide them with a space that will support their future growth.
The company’s move to Rainton Bridge Business Park is a great success story and hopefully there will be more north east companies following in its footsteps to bigger and better things.”
Councillor Paul Watson Leader of Sunderland City Council said: "The Council is very proud of this Sunderland company with whom we’ve had a strong relationship for many years and we are delighted to be able to assist them develop their business further as they move into new premises at Rainton Bridge.
“Through the Sunderland Software City initiative the city is building a strong reputation for supporting new software entrepreneurs, as well as helping established businesses grow and prosper. As a city council we are committed to helping high tech businesses set up and grow in Sunderland, and believe we do this by driving forward initiatives that benefit them.
“We will work closely with our partners at the University of Sunderland to make certain that the knowledge, skills and people are available for these exciting new companies, and will continue to work closely with the Leighton Group to help them grow and increase employment in Sunderland."
Leighton Group’s companies Leighton Ltd, The Communicator Corporation Ltd, WorkCast Ltd, SaleCycle Ltd and Business Education Publishers Ltd will operate their various digital functions including email marketing, web design and developing software applications for blue chip corporate clients across the UK, including British Airways and Tourism Australia, from its new location at Rainton Bridge.
The Sunderland business park has recently welcomed RWE npower, who officially opened their 230,000 sq.ft new Rainton House facility this month. Rainton Bridge is also the regional base for housebuilders McInerney Homes, as well as the e.volve centre.
The Rainton Bridge Business Park was recently awarded the Best Business Park accolade at the Northumbria in Bloom Awards for the second year running for its impressive landscaped grounds.
Ends
Media Enquiries
Matthew Pittam / Phil Addicott
The BIG Partnership
0141 333 9585
07763 909 599 / 07824 666956
matthew.pittam@bigpartnership.co.uk / Phil.addicott@bigpartnership.co.uk
About Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)
Goodman Group is an integrated property group with operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom. Goodman Group, comprised of the stapled entities Goodman Limited and Goodman Industrial Trust, is the largest industrial property group listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and one of the largest listed industrial property groups globally.
Goodman’s global property expertise, integrated own+develop+manage customer service offering and significant fund management platform ensures it creates innovative property solutions that meet the individual requirements of its customers, whilst seeking to deliver attractive long-term returns for investors. In Europe, Goodman has offices in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.
Please visit: www.goodman.com